You are here

James Washington, 53

James “Danny” D. Washington, 53, of Grand Island, passed peacefully away Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, at home with his family by his side.A celebration of his life was held Thursday, Nov. 10, at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home with his brother-in-law, Tim Meguire officiating. His cremated remains were laid to rest at the Grand Island City Cemetery. Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home of Grand Island was in charge of arrangements.Jim was born March 13, 1958, in Tahlequah, Okla. His early years were spent close to his beloved grandparents, Thurman and Ethel “Granny” Brown in Braggs, Okla. He graduated high school in Tulsa, Okla., in 1976. He worked as a security guard in Tulsa, and was married to Phyllis Noel in 1977. He moved to Grand Island in 1984, and worked as security guard at Conestoga Mall, then began working at Delicious Foods, and later Millard Refrigerated Services. He married Gerri Zlomke Sept. 9, 1985. He was employed the last 15 years at Ace Hardware in Shipping and Receiving. He began his very courageous and hard fought battle with head and neck cancer in April 2010.Jim loved life, always joking around and pulling pranks. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends at home enjoying the back yard that he worked hard to create. He always had it filled with something fun for the kids and grandkids. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, country drives, playing softball, family vacations, spending time with and spoiling his dog, Charlie, and cat, Daisy. Even though he lost the ability to speak during the last years of his life his ability to communicate and love remained strong. Every day was a blessing.Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Gerri; four sons and daughter-in-law, James and Kendra Washington, Jr. of Grand Island, Richard Washington of Virginia Beach, Va.., Brandon Washington of Tulsa, Okla., and Samuel Washington of Grand Island; two daughters, Jessica Washington of Lexington Park, Md., and Sara Washington of Grand Island; granddaughters, Rylee, Madison, Raegan and Kennedie Washington of Grand Island; mother and step-father, Sylvia and Richard Wilcox of Grand Island; brothers, Tony Washington of Grand Island, and Brian (Lisa) Wilcox of Fremont; sisters, Debbie (Judd) Morgan of Merriwa, New South Wales, Australia, Angela Washington of Grand Island, and Robin (Doug) Pollack of Seward; parents-in-law, Eldon and Connie McCandless of Broken Bow; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Gene Washington; grandparents, Thurman and Ethel Brown, Joe Axe and Agnes Washington, and grandparents-in-law Jed and Glennie Mooney, along with others whose memories he held close.Online condolences may be directed through www.livson. com Published in Custer County Chief, Nov. 17, 2011